These bars are an absolute dream in dessert form. Just the best recipe. They are easy to make and no bake! This bar recipe has an almond and pecan crust layered with coconut butter, date caramel and topped with dark chocolate.

There is such a whole lot to love about this sweet treat. And, did I mention that they are super easy to whip up?

I made these easy chocolate coconut bars years ago and decided I needed to try them again and I’m so glad I did because they are just as good as I remember…

I don’t like to play favorites with recipes, but this is honestly one of my top ten most loved! But the who doesn’t love a good protein energy bar? They are among the most tasty, filling, and convenient healthy snack ideas you can enjoy. If you aree looking to make homemade bars, though, then you have probably got an inkling that DIY’ing it has certain advantages.

The main draw with going the homemade route is the infinite customizability.

Many protein energy bars on the market aren’t fit for everyone’s dietary needs (gluten-free, vegan, grain-free, nut-free etc), but when making your own, you can make sure that they are!

Store bought protein energy bars can be expensive. Even the cheaper brands that tend to have more added sugar and other unnecessary ingredients are still a few dollars per bar. Not to mention the bars with more natural ingredients.

Also when you make your own, it comes out so much cheaper than buying from the store. Whip up a batch in under 5 minutes, and you might never want to spend money on another packaged protein bar ever again.

This homemade recipe does not have any nasty preservatives and artificial sweeteners and is packed with healthy fats, recipe tastes better than store bought bars, and is packed with clean and nutritious ingredients.

These bars have a chewy texture and are made with just a few simple ingredients that you can find at almost any grocery store. These are almost like coconut magic cookie bars; layers upon layers of goodness with varying flavors and textures.

They are one of my go-to recipes to make so I can have a quick snack to grab on a busy day. In my opinion, They are a great post-workout snack or the perfect snack to curb your sweet tooth.

Also perfect for lunch boxes and easy to make-ahead: You can make a big batch and keep them chilled or even frozen until you are  ready to eat. What’s not to like?

Coconut Butter Protein Bars

Simple, decadent no bake Coconut Butter Bars with an almond and pecan crust, a layer of coconut butter, a layer of date caramel and topped with dark chocolate. Buttery, sweet and well worth the effort...

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine Healthy Clean Eating

Keyword clean eating dessert or snack, coconut butter protein bars, coconut butter protein bars no bake, no bake coconut butter protein snack bars

Servings 12

Ingredients

Base Crust

• 1/2 cup almonds
• 1/2 cup pecans
• 1/2 cup dates, soaked 30 minutes and drained
• 1/4 cup protein or collagen peptides powder

Layer 1

• 1/2 cup coconut butter – store bought or recipe below in notes

Layer 2

• 1 cup dates, soaked 30 minutes and drained

Chocolate Topping

• 3/4 cup chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• Flaked coconut

Instructions

• Note: If you are going to make your own coconut butter do this first so its ready when you go to make the bars. Recipe link below in notes.

  Line an 7 x 5-inch loaf pan or dish with parchment paper on the bottom and sides leaving some overhanging to act as a handle to get the bars out easier for cutting.

  In food processor, combine all crust ingredients.  Blend to a coarse, sticky mixture. Be careful not to over process as its nice to have texture variance and different sized “bits” in your base crust.

  Remove crust from food processor and press into a lined pan.

Layer 1

• If not already soft enough to spread, place coconut butter in microwave at 10 second intervals. Or, soften it by submerging the jar in a hot water bath.

  Pour coconut butter over crust.  Place in freezer to firm.

Layer 2

• Put dates in food processor and blend until a thick paste forms.

  Take the bars from the freezer and spread layer 2 on top of layer 1.

Chocolate Topping

• Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in small dish and microwave with 20 second bursts stirring between each one until melted and smooth.

  Or use double boiler method - (pot of boiling water with a bowl resting on top) melt the chocolate chips and the coconut oil together.

  Once melted, pour over layer 2 and sprinkle coconut flakes on top.

  Place the bars in the fridge to set. I recommend waiting a few hours before taking the bars out of the fridge. This ensures that each of the layers are fully set.

  Remove the bars from the baking dish and cut into 12 equal pieces.  

Notes

Homemade Coconut Butter

If you are anywhere near the health food or fitness circles, you have no doubt heard of coconut oil by now. But have you ever heard of coconut butter? Oh my gosh is it good. It tastes like the most delicious, decadent, oh-so-bad-for-you treat. Except, it’s not. It’s actually good for you. In fact, coconut butter packs a boatload of benefits:

It’s rich in lauric acid, which boosts immunity and destroys harmful bacteria, viruses, and funguses.

It actually boosts your metabolism, which aids in weight loss and increases energy levels.

Its a superb ingredient for protecting and replenishing the hair and skin

It’s packed with healthy fats, so you feel full longer.

It’s full of essential amino acids, calcium, and magnesium.

Basically, coconut butter is just plain awesome.

It’s so creamy, buttery, naturally sweet and full of nutrients, and it’s hard to believe that this tasty Homemade Coconut Butter from Scratch is made with one ingredient! You may not know this, but a jar of high-quality coconut butter can be expensive.

Yes, that is one of the reasons that you should make you own - it’s unbelievably easy. Besides being incredibly good for you, coconut butter greatly enhances the creamy texture of desserts, smoothies, ice creams, fudge and hot beverages. Even a spoonful out of the jar is not a bad thing.  

Once you start using it, you'll find many other ways to sneak it into your diet.

Go here for the recipe:  Homemade Coconut Butter 

Print Recipe

If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, protein-rich, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites